Letter: Warnings not just for tornadoes

I cannot help but feel a little disappointed with emergency management officials after Monday’s storm in Springfield and neighboring communities in Sangamon County.

I cannot help but feel a little disappointed with emergency management officials after Monday’s storm in Springfield and neighboring communities in Sangamon County.

I had assumed (which I know you should never do) that the city had learned its lesson after the tornadoes in 2006. Upgrades to warning equipment were made and a concerted effort made to ensure early warning of severe weather.

As an amateur weather enthusiast I was watching this line of storms early in the day before nearing the area. As the storms approached even I could tell how the line bowed out right before hitting the Springfield area. I said to the person I was with that this storm was going to cause some damage.

Of course I am overjoyed that no one was seriously injured, but where was the early warning? Why no sirens? I know they aren’t to be used unless a tornado is spotted actually on the ground, but maybe this policy should be re-thought?

The kind of storm we experienced on Monday with high winds and falling trees along with standing water warrant an early/emergent warning to the communities that could be affected. That’s what we paid for, right?

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